“American Indian women face murder rates that are more than 10 times the national average,” said Lucy Simpson, the executive director of NIWRC. “The harsh reality of our lives as Native women is that our sisters, mothers, daughters, and community members disappear and nothing is done. This must change.”

“Turning our grief to action we strongly support the resolution calling for a National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Native Women and Girls to help increase awareness and shed light on the countless tragedies involving our Native sisters,” said Cherrah Giles, the chairwoman of NIWRC's board of directors.

The briefing is being held in cooperation with Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska), who has advocated for stronger protections for Native women in Alaska and in the Lower 48. It takes place at 1:30pm in Room 902 of the Room 902.